Logan: Film Review

“Nature made me a freak. Man made me a weapon. And God made it last too long.” – Logan

To watch this film you don’t particularly need any of the franchises former film’s back-story. It works completely on its own as it doesn’t tie into other stories in great detail. It does pick small items from the solo and group films. Example: The an adamantium bullet was introduced in the first solo film (Origins). There were a few articles going in that said this isn’t in the same universe as the other films based on the merry mutant bunch.

It was established in the comics “Wolverine Origins“, that Logan is, at his core, a man who is both troubled, brings on trouble to those around him, and those he loves and cares about. In this film, we get the clearest view of who and what Logan is. He’s an animal who wants noting more than to be left alone. He also, under all his tough bravado, simply wants a place to belong and for once to be considered human. Being a mutant is no different than being black, gay, native or any other outsider/minority group. But, at this point, he’s come to terms with it all and just wants to ride off into the sunset.

But Kids always have a way of changing you. Enter Laura.

She represents a second chance at life Logan can never get back. He tried to fight the obligation he knows Charles will put on him. And does so for most of the movie. The film isn’t about how he vanquished evil, but how he beat himself into breaking the mold he made of/for himself.

The first act of this film is super strong. It doesn’t try to load up on complicated plot beats; and even if something does go over your head, the simple idea of ‘little girl needs saving’ is more than enough to drive the story. The manner in which the film starts with Logan… was simply to let you know this isn’t the same Logan we have seen thus far. It doesn’t truly stop being that sort of high-octane film until you meet the nice rural family. Then there’s much needed peace and time to dispense some quality exposition. Those entire groups of scenes are my second favourite one succeeded by the entire final act (yes, the whole act). While suspended in disbelief, you almost buy into the idea this rural family moment is a perfect time to use the real-world washroom only to find out that Logan’s luck wasn’t far behind him. Then to find out that all the chaos was caused by X-24 (aka all of the violence in Logan, none of his self control or compassion… aka Sabertooth). It’s sad. Because though he has seemingly beat all the other villains before him in his heyday, he was never able to break that mold of what others always wanted him to be. A controlled, raging animal.

Again, enter Laura.

It was great to see Patrick Stewart play a strong, rational, old man. I’m sure everyone has an elder person in their life who knows they are nearing their end and as a result don’t care about the common etiquette they may have displayed in their more youthful years. Many disliked that He curses but, given the situation and whom he has to deal with, it was rightly justified. his demeanor helps to shape the world we enter. His realization of what he did in Winchester was some of the best acting he’s done in the whole mutant franchise.

Enter Laura.

From her first action sequence to her final moment before the credits, she was outstanding. She didn’t out act anyone. But she was a decent addition to the cast and I fully want to see her get her own movie or series on HBO one day, for this character. If not, she may just be able to be a fit in as a co-star. But she’s new. Time will tell how far she goes. It’s weird (read: scary) how good kids can be at being crazy sadistic violent beings.

What more can be said of a guy who became a break out star from this role? It’s unfortunate that he’s been in a lot of movies that bombed as the character: as it leaves a bad taste in your mouth as you recall your favourite moments from his time. But, except for “The Wolverine”(previous film), he acted tremendously in every outing he’s had. I think it was a cool idea to have Wolverine be the secret weapon against Logan. We are our own worst enemy after all. Though I might be reaching at straws here, but he decided he was done with the role after all. I’m glad he was able to do this film and that they made it in the way that they did. It was a great send off for him.

I’ve never seen a movie in all my years that I really wished was in black and white. There’s countless scenes that are so great, in that photography composition way. I’m glad they are re-releasing a black and white version. It was also interesting how play like the scene was when Logan goes to give Xavier the pills in the fallen water tower. It was a well acted and directed scene.

The complaints I have was that it was too little too late. Hollywood ultimately ruined the entirety of the mutant universe. Wolverine shouldn’t have to be on the verge of a reboot in order to get what fans have been asking for since X2( where is his yellow and blue spandex?). I think, since we know most in these genre of films will eventually have a sequel, it’s a bit of a let down to know there’s going to be a new actor and creative team behind whatever is in store for the character. I do hope that they keep this version of Logan alive with his intensity and rage. And also that they develop a fighting style other than what looks to be arms flailing about. Lastly just more use of the word bub.

Bottom line: The perfect Swan song for Hugh Jackman (and Sir Patrick Stewart). He brought a lot of heart to a character that otherwise could have been reduced to some comedic muscle (read as hulk). It’s great however you wish to watch it. If there’s a classic list being made for super hero films, Logan is in the top 10 without question.

Overall rating of the movie: 9.5 out of 10,

Cinematography: 9.5 out of 10,

Editing: 9.5 out of 10,

Audio: 9.5 out of 10,

Acting: 9 out of 10,

Theatres or wait for the blu-ray? Not sure if I’d pay money to watch it at full price again. But on a Tuesday, the re-release would be a worthwhile watch if you have the time to kill. Definitely worthy of ownership but, only with the black and white version included. Otherwise, watch it on Netflix.